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Dak looked at the person sent by the Navy to deliver money, his expression turning somewhat strange.
Could it be that everything Rayleigh said was true? Perhaps there is no such thing as coincidence in this world, only inevitability, or in other words, fate? Otherwise, why would Kuzan, who has some history with Robin, arrive just as she joined the Mystery Hatchery House?
"Perfect timing."
Dak muttered, a thought forming in his mind. He hadn't yet told Robin about the matter concerning Saul.
"Hey, Robin, an old acquaintance of yours is here."
Dak turned and called out to Robin, who was lost in thought behind him.
"Huh?"
Kuzan, who had just walked in, heard his name and the sleepiness on his face dissipated significantly, revealing a slightly surprised expression.
His gaze moved past Dak to meet Robin's, who had instinctively looked up.
For a moment, intense emotions flared in both their eyes.
Kuzan's eyes were mostly filled with surprise, but there was also a complex mix of emotions.
Robin's eyes, however, held a strong fear. Dak could even see her trembling slightly, but this fear seemed to be not solely directed at Kuzan.
Robin put down the Pokédex in her hands, stood up with her head down, and walked towards the door under Dak's confused gaze.
She had anticipated this day would come, just not so soon.
She didn't want to think that Dak had called Kuzan to capture her, but wasn't that the reality in front of her?
"No, where are you going, Robin? It's very rude to leave like this. I never taught you to treat guests this way."
Dak wasn't planning to enact a scene like that anime. He reached out, grabbed Robin, and caused her to stumble.
"Ah?"
Robin looked up at Dak, her eyes seemingly holding a glimmer of hope.
"Ah?"
Dak didn't understand.
"Moo?"
At this moment, Miltank woke up, hugged Robin's leg, and looked up at her curiously. Miltank was still holding a Pokémon Cube that Robin had made for her by embezzling public funds.
Miltank was very fond of Robin and was likely to become her close companion.
"Manager, you're not going to drive me away?"
Robin bent down to pet Miltank's ear before asking.
"Of course not."
Dak finally understood what Robin was worried about.
She was afraid that faced with a formidable enemy's pressure, he would abandon her.
Dak hadn't expected Robin to have such thoughts after feeling the oppressive force of the Mystery Hatchery House.
With that kind of force, anyone coming to cause trouble would be signing their death warrant.
As for the World Government and the Celestial Dragons?
Those not worthy of being Pokémon partners, Dak wouldn't care about their opinions.
Dak had already automatically blacklisted those sorts.
Yes, that almost inconsequential "Blacklist."
[Blacklist]
[Celestial Dragons, World Government]
This means that personnel from the Celestial Dragons and the World Government will never enter the Mystery Hatchery House.
It's not just that they can't find the door; even if they did, they would be repelled.
"Ah, ah, this manager, Nico Robin is a criminal with a bounty of 79 million Belly. Are you sure you want to shelter her? This will make things very difficult for me."
At this moment, Kuzan spoke up, massaging his black curls and seemingly a bit troubled.
Despite feeling very weak, he still spoke his mind.
However, how could Dak not know Kuzan's attitude towards Robin?
"Look, Kuzan, not even Sakazuki coming here would take away my staff. If he dares to come, I dare to kick his butt hard. Even if Sengoku learns about this, he won't turn against me."
Dak waved his hand, speaking lightly of something quite significant.
Both Kuzan and Robin widened their eyes at such a statement.
Only Bon Clay laughed wildly on the side.
"I'm actually quite looking forward to that."
Kuzan raised an eyebrow and then smiled cryptically.
"Hey, don't cause trouble. You wouldn't want Robin's situation to be known by more people, right? Then the World Government will come after the Navy."
Dak warned Kuzan.
"Aren't you afraid?"
"I'm not. People from the World Government can't even enter this door. Don't believe me? Try sending someone. I just want to ease the pressure on Sengoku."
Dak spoke sincerely.
If Sengoku was pressured by the World Government, it might indeed reduce the frequency of their visits to the Mystery Hatchery House, potentially affecting their business with the Navy.
"Ah, you really make it difficult for me as an admiral."
Kuzan seemed a bit troubled by this and glanced subtly at Robin.
Robin shivered under Kuzan's gaze, as if hit by his Ice-Ice Fruit power from afar.
"You don't need to scare her anymore; she's already agreed to work for me for a lifetime."
Dak pulled Robin behind him.
"Moo!"
Miltank, though not fully understanding the conversation, could tell Robin didn't like the very tall man.
In a fit of anger, Miltank stepped forward, grabbed a Pokémon Cube, and threw it at Kuzan, hitting his leg.
Though it didn't have much force, Miltank's attitude was clear.
I don't like you! Miltank puffed up its cheeks, glaring up at Kuzan.
Robin, frightened, quickly scooped up Miltank and turned around to block Kuzan's view with her back.
"Ah, ah, it seems I'm disliked."
Kuzan actually liked the pink Miltank for its courage and simplicity.
It seems Marshal Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru were right. Pokémon are creatures that can be nurtured and will become trustworthy partners for the Navy.
Unlike the former two, Kuzan wasn't interested in Pokémon's potential but their character.
"Mr. Kuzan, my stance is clear. Now, let's talk about your purpose here."
Dak's gaze was piercing as he looked at Kuzan.
He, of course, knew what Kuzan was here for.
"Um, it's like this. The egg at Gion is about to hatch, and Vice Admiral Tsuru sent me to buy that milk, a hundred bottles, here's 5 million Belly."
Kuzan, though having more to say, took out the money first.
Business first.
"Alright, 5 million Belly received. Tonight, Darkrai will deliver a hundred bottles of MooMoo Milk."
"Darkrai."
Darkrai timely floated out from Dak's shadow, greeting Kuzan.
Then he vanished back into the shadows under Kuzan's astonished gaze.
"Truly... incredible."
(End of Chapter)